Uber launches today in Ames

Uber launched its ride-hailing service Tuesday in Ames, marking its fourth Iowa market.

Dan Breitbarth, President of the Iowa State University student body, took the first ride at 1 p.m.

The app-based transportation company first arrived in Iowa with a Des Moines launch in September. Uber has since begun operating in Cedar Rapids and two weeks ago expanded to the Quad Cities.

Last year Breitbarth led the Iowa State student body to pass a resolution urging Iowa legislators to welcome ride-hailing services across the state by establishing standard regulations. A set of regulations passed through the Iowa House but died in the Senate this spring.

Uber has faced legal questions and hurdles – often from city and state officials or traditional taxi companies – in many markets across the country, including Des Moines, and around the world.

The San Francisco based company abandoned plans to launch in Iowa City earlier this year after city officials bolstered local regulations overseeing taxi companies and their drivers.